Climate Overview
Mongolia is situated on a high plateau between 1,000 and 2,000 m elevation and has one of the most extreme continental climates on earth. The temperature range extends from −40°C in winter to +40°C in summer — a difference of 80 degrees! The country boasts over 260 sunny days per year and is therefore called the "Land of the Eternal Blue Sky."
| Region | Summer (Jun–Aug) | Winter (Dec–Feb) | Special Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ulaanbaatar | 15–28°C | −25 to −40°C | Coldest capital in the world |
| Central Mongolia | 15–30°C | −20 to −35°C | Steppe climate, large day/night fluctuations |
| Gobi Desert | 25–40°C (day), 5–15°C (night) | −15 to −30°C | Extremely dry, largest temperature amplitudes |
| North (Khövsgöl) | 10–22°C | −30 to −45°C | Taiga climate, lake freezes November–May |
Precipitation: Mongolia is one of the driest countries in Asia. In the Gobi, only 50–100 mm of rain falls per year (Sahara level). In the north, it is 200–300 mm, almost all between June and August. Snow lies from November to April.
Important: Even in midsummer, night temperatures in the steppe can drop to 0–5°C. Warm clothing should always be packed.
